Yesterday saw the Canadian’s first run out on the Northampton pitch after a week’s training at Bedford’s Goldington Road ground. Head coach Ric Suggitt is aware of the need of good preparation when facing the NZ Maori.

“The Maori will be a step up from the Ireland ‘A’ side we played in Exeter,” he said. “ However we have put in some hard work, looked at videos of the game and have had defensive coach Clive Griffiths, who worked with us in Exeter, come back and analyze our play and help rectify problems.
 
“It’s all about improving and learning and to have coaches of his calibre help us is very rewarding.”

Victoria’s Ed Fairhurst will start at his familiar scrum-half position, a place he all too rarely starts at when Morgan Williams is available. On top of this he will carry the mantle of captaincy, leading a side showing seven changes to that which started against Ireland ‘A’ in Exeter.

“I’ve acted as captain before but only when I have come on from the reserve bench to replace Morgan. This is my first time as skipper at the start of a game. I’m thrilled to be asked to captain the side,” says the current Cardiff Blue.

Four players will make their NZ Maori debut in the match.
 
Otago prop Keith Cameron, Southland centre Jason Kawau, Canterbury lock Isaac Ross and Wellington prop Hoani Tui have been named in the starting line-up which will be led by Canterbury centre Rua Tipoki.

“We have had two weeks to prepare for this match which is ideal. The standard of rugby in the Churchill Cup continues to rise and we are delighted that we have a group of players who have played Super 14 rugby or for a New Zealand team in the past,” said coach Donny Stevenson said.
 
Meanwhile, Waikato loose forward Liam Messam returns home this weekend after he broke a bone in his foot during training earlier in the week. He has been replaced by Taranaki’s Jarrad Hoeata, who played for New Zealand Sevens in Dubai and South Africa last year.

Teams:
New Zealand Maori
1 Keith Cameron (Otago)
2 Luke Mahoney (Wellington)
3 Hoani Tui (Wellington)
4 Kristian Ormsby (Counties Manukau)
5 Isaac Ross (Canterbury)
6 Angus MacDonald (Auckland)
7 Scott Waldrom (Taranaki)
8 Warren Smith (Bay of Plenty)
9 Chris Smylie (Otago)
10 Calam Bruce (Otago)
11 Anthony Tahana (Bay of Plenty)
12 Rua Tipoki (Canterbury)(capt)
13 Jason Kawau (Southland)
14 Pehi Te Whare (Southland)
15 Shannon Paku (Wellington)

16 Aled de Malamanche (Waikato)
17 Craig West (Waikato)
18 Jared Hoeata (Taranaki)
19 Hayden Triggs (Manawatu)
20 James Rodley (North Harbour)
21 Tamati Ellison (Wellington)
22 Dwayne Sweeney (Waikato)

Canada
1 Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors)
2 Pat Riordan (Burnaby Lake)
3 Scott Franklin (Castaway Wanderers)
4 Luke Tait (Overmach Parma)
5 Mike Burak (Pau)
6 Mike Webb (Swilers)
7 Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
8 David Biddle (Meraloma)
9 Ed Fairhurst (Cardiff Blues)(capt)
10 Ander Monro (Waterloo)
11 James Pritchard (Bedford Blues)
12 Derek Daypuck (Castaway Wanderers)
13 Craig Culpan (Meraloma)
14 Dean Van Camp (Velox-Valhallians)
15 Mike Pyke (Montauban)

16 Aaron Carpenter (Brantford)
17 Dan Pletch (Oakville Crusaders)
18 Mike Pletch (Oakville Crusaders)
19 Josh Jackson (Stade Bordelais)
20 Ryan Smith (Montauban)
21 Morgan Williams (Albi)
22 Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria)

Tickets are still available for this match from the Saints Ticket Office. Call 01604 581000 for more information.

The Saints Rugby Store will also be open until kick-off, where there is a £5 discount on all of the KooGa Vintage Range.